In My Damnedest Dreams by Nathan Wilson and S. E. Nin, Shindara and his companions, once united against the chaos of war, find themselves scattered across Japan, only to be inexorably drawn back together by an unseen force. A shadowy figure, wielding power over Shindara, holds Mikoto's life in the balance. The stakes are higher, the threats more insidious, and the city of Sakai becomes a volatile battleground for a power struggle that Mikoto is intricately tied to. The story picks up with the weight of previous events, plunging readers into a world where the stakes are higher, and the fate of realms hangs in the balance. The collaboration between Wilson and Nin results in a seamless blend of their creative visions, creating a narrative that feels cohesive and satisfying for fans who have followed the series from its inception.

In My Damnedest Dreams successfully ties up loose ends, providing a satisfying resolution to the overarching conflict. The climax is both poignant and exhilarating, delivering a conclusion that is emotionally resonant and thematically rich. The plot is a whirlwind of suspense and unexpected twists, showcasing the authors' skill in orchestrating a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is relentless, offering a seamless balance between moments of introspection and high-stakes action, ensuring that the story never loses its momentum. In My Damnedest Dreams is a triumph in the genre, offering a spellbinding continuation of the Genpei Shadows series. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting, this installment is a must-read for fans of historical fantasy.

In Nathan Wilson and S.E. Nin’s In My Damnedest Dreams, four years have passed and the Genpei War is now a distant memory. Shindara is seemingly free of The Abhorrent moniker but he is caught completely unaware when an old foe resurfaces with a request exclusively for the scribe. Shindara must capture a particularly puzzling bounty for this foe. Failure to do so will lead to Mikoto’s death. Shindara knows time is not on his side as he returns to Sakai to carry out an assignment that will test the limits of his loyalties.

Shindara is reunited with his friends as he embarks on a complicated task in the fourth installment of the Obsidian Blade series. Nathan Wilson and S.E. Nin focus on the developing relationships within the inner circle of the scribe once known as The Abhorrent. Shindara’s inability to truly bond with another individual is tested when he meets Inazami. Their discussions of their experiences hint at the makings of a potential match despite their obvious differences. Mikoto’s desperation to be recognized in a world where a woman's place will never be on the same level as that of her male counterparts creates an intriguing subplot. Wilson and Nin pay extra attention to the details in the story with folklore garnishing brilliant battle scenes that are explained in such a way that the reader will feel as if they are experiencing these firsthand. Factor in Hrioshango’s humor-laden conversation and penchant for mischief and you have an excellent adventure brewing in Wilson and Nin’s In My Damnedest Dreams.